Name: ____________________________ Date:__________

Context Clues Power Point Guided Notes

I. What are Context Clues?

Bits of ________________ in the text that allow you to make _______________ guesses or predict what an unknown word might mean.

***Review Time*** What is it called when we make educated guesses? ____________________________________

II. Types of context clues

III. Synonym of Restatement

Word with _____________ meanings are used within the same sentence, or around the __________________ word.

Example: The teacher did not approve of his lackadaisical approach to his homework. The student’s laidback efforts in this assignment also reflected his poor grades.

o What does the word lackadaisical likely mean?

A. Ambitious B. Frightening C. Lazy D. Beautiful

How do we know our answer is correct? o The author gives us a synonym in the very next sentence to help us infer the

new word’s meaning: Lackadaisical and Laidback.

IV. Synonym Example:

In the political cartoon, what is the meaning of apathy?

Apathy likely means: A. Hatred B. The sense of belonging C. Love D. Lack of interest or care

Name: ____________________________ Date:__________

V. Anonym or Contrast:

The unfamiliar word is defined by using the word’s _______________ or ___________________ meaning.

You may see words like: whereas, ___________, as opposed to, however, in contrast to, _________, on the other hand.

Example: The children were as different as day and night. He was lively and outgoing, but she was reserved and taciturn.

o What does taciturn most likely mean?

A. Antisocial B. Boastful C. Prideful D. Humble

VI. Explanation/Definition:

The unfamiliar word is directly _________________ or _____________________ in the sentence where it appears.

Definitions are usually set off by commas (,) or dashes (-). The may also include the use of the words: as, ____, that is, in other words.

Example #1: His emaciation, that is, his skeleton-like appearance, was frightening to see.

Example #2: She wanted to be a philanthropist – someone who helps charities and the less fortunate – when she grew up.

VII. Examples:

The new or unfamiliar word is cleared up by giving an ____________________. You may see the following words: for instance, _________ _____, for example. Example Practice: Look at the comic. How does it help you understand the meaning of

alternative?

Example Practice: A sleuth, such as Sherlock Holmes, can be very helpful solving crimes.

A. Senior Citizen B. Man Pilot D. Detective

Alternative means:

A. Mean B. Other

C. Reverse D. Split